DHEC to Stores: Bath Salts, Fake Marijuana Illegal

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – South Carolina’s public health agency is warning stores that sell mind-altering “bath salts” and synthetic marijuana that the substances are now illegal and possession will soon bring state charges. The board that oversees the Department of Health and Environmental Control is expected to mirror actions taken Friday by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The federal agency classified the main substances used to make bath salts and fake marijuana as illegal drugs. The state board will meet via teleconference Monday to reflect those designations, allowing law enforcement in South Carolina to immediately begin arresting people for possession. Agency spokesman Adam Myrick says stores are strongly encouraged to turn over their inventory to local law enforcement.